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Cannabis in Canada: how did we get here?

FILE - Canadian cannabis producers say they are ramping up their operations to keep up with growing demand for medical marijuana and in anticipation of legislation that would allow for recreational use of the drug. Cannabis plants intended for the medical marijuana market grow at OrganiGram in Moncton, N.B., in an April 14, 2016, file photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ron Ward, File

Almost three years since the Trudeau Liberals were elected – cannabis products are now legal in Canada.

It was one of the biggest campaign promises for the party in 2015. Trudeau said it would fix a “failed system” and help “remove the criminal element” linked to the drug.

The government has argued that marijuana prohibition is very expensive and that legalization could significantly cut down on costs.

The Cannabis Act was passed by the House of Commons in late 2017 and on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 the Senate approved Bill C-45, establishing the new legal regime, after seven months of intensive study and debate.

It received royal assent two days later.

There were reports that it would legal on Canada Day, but the date was moved back until the fall.